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Morzine Travel Guide

Morzine

The traditional mountain holiday village of Morzine is situated
in the middle of one of the most extensive ski areas in the Alps,
the Portes du Soleil, which links 14 ski resorts in France and
Switzerland. The area offers hundreds of miles of off-piste terrain
and groomed slopes, and runs up to seven miles (11km) long, spread
across 14 valleys. It is a great family resort with traditional
chalets, special childcare services, and plenty of beginner and
intermediate slopes in the vicinity, as well as family-orientated
activities. Advanced skiers and boarders will also find endless
off-piste opportunities and ample challenges on the black slopes.
About a mile higher up the slope is the purpose-built resort of
Avoriaz, which is a popular base for trips across the border to the
Swiss resorts, and its treeless slopes offer powder snow and great
boarding.

The unlimited ski area of the Portes du Soleil offers slopes for
all levels of skiing and snowboarding at the foot of the Dents du
Midi and the Dents Blanches, with wonderful panoramic views. The
terrain covers about 404 miles (650km) of marked runs, making it
the largest ski area in the world. Both Morzine and Avoriaz have
nursery slopes next to the resort, while intermediates have a
playground of vast proportions in the Morzine area as well as
throughout the Portes du Soleil circuit. Advanced skiers and
boarders will find more than 20 black runs, endless off-piste and
some of the biggest moguls in the world on the legendary 'Wall' at
Avoriaz. Avoriaz is also one of Europe's top snowboarding
destinations. Ski schools offer lessons to all ages from three
years up, for all levels.

Holidaymakers will find a variety of local handmade goods and
typical French souvenirs displayed in shop windows in Morzine, such
as traditional Savoyard pottery, sculpted objects made from the
local wood and slate, mountain cheeses and salted meat. There are
also fashion boutiques and sports shops.

Morzine specialises largely in fully catered chalet-style
holidays, but for those looking for a night out there are a variety
of options available. Traditional fare such as raclette, fondue,
berthoud or diots can be found in a number of establishments. Meals
are well accompanied by local wines.

Après-ski is generally low-key and relatively calm, but
several bars and discos in Morzine offer a bit of after-hours
entertainment for holidaymakers keen on a big night out. There are
a variety of bars and English-style pubs, though many close as
early as 8pm, and a couple of nightclubs that stay open late. Most
clubs are closed around 2am.

A wide range of activities is offered to holidaymakers, both on
and off the slopes in Morzine. Cross-country skiing, night time
sledging and sleigh rides, snowshoeing, paragliding and winter
walks are some of the activities available. For something
different, adventure parks offer a circuit made of ladders, swing
bridges and zip wires between the trees, or try kite skiing and
snowboarding. Other attractions include a visit to the slate mines
or watching a cheese-maker in action. A sports hall has a fitness
centre and ice-skating rink.